Group service · one team, one memory
Same engineer, prototype through to production.
You started with one hand-cast mould. The part is signed off. You're ready for a hundred a week. The engineer who built the first tool builds the volume one, so nothing has to be re-explained.
When it's right
Four situations where this service earns its keep.
Prototype validated, production coming
You have a signed-off first article. Instead of handing over to a new supplier, we upgrade you to production tooling with the same brief in hand.
Halfway between two volumes
You're not sure whether you're a hundreds-a-year company or a thousands. We can start you in cast, and step you into compression or LSR when the volume justifies it.
A prior supplier stopped
Someone else made your part and now they can't. We can reverse-engineer, re-tool and put you back in production without you starting from scratch.
Design refinements after first run
You want to change draft or wall thickness after seeing the first parts. Same engineer knows why the tool was built the way it was.
How it flows
Four stages, in the usual order.
- 01
Prototype tool
Usually hand-cast or vacuum-cast, built for tens or low hundreds of parts.
- 02
First-run learning
You use it. We collect the notes on what works and what needs a tweak.
- 03
Production tool build
Compression or LSR steel tool, built with the tweaks folded in. Same engineer, same job number, same memory.
- 04
Continuity of paperwork
The prototype tool's file is carried into the production tool's file. Same audit trail throughout.
What we need from you
To scope it properly.
Your volume trajectory. One year, three years. Ballpark is fine.
Any changes since prototype. Every 'oh, and this bit needs to be a little different' captured before we cut steel.
A trigger for when to upgrade. Reaching a monthly volume, a customer commit, a launch — helps us plan capacity.
At a glance
The idea in a picture.
Which route suits your quantity
Swipe to see the whole diagram
FAQs
Common questions.
Do I have to commit to production tooling before I prototype?
No. Many customers only decide after they see and sell the first hundred parts.
Will the production part look identical to the prototype?
Deliberately, yes. If we've had to change anything for manufacturability, we tell you before we build the tool.
Who owns the tool?
You do, if you paid for it. We store it here at no additional cost.
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Where to read next.
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The group
This service sits at the group level
TCI Group is the umbrella brand. The specialists behind this service work across all four divisions.
Get in touch
Not sure which division? Tell us what you're making.
Send us a sketch, a photograph, or a paragraph. We'll come back with the right division, the right route, and an honest sense of what it will take.
Real people, a real workshop
You deal with the people who make it.
No call centre and no middlemen. When you contact TCI Group, you speak to the team who design, build and check your mould.
- A real Warwickshire workshopUnit 15, Waterloo Park, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester B50 4JG.
- Real people on the phoneCall the team on 01789 224228, Monday to Friday.
- The same team on every jobDesign, production and aftercare come from the people you see here.
- Five brands, one teamMoulds, culinary, construction and contract products, all run from Bidford-on-Avon. See the divisions.
Thomas LaneManaging Director
George PrestonDesign & Project Manager
Kelly BallingerHead of Partnerships
Jim AndertonProduction Manager
TheodoreEmployee Welfare